113
NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL (NBC) DEFENSE
FUNDAMENTALS
References:
[a]
[b]
[c]
113.1
Marine Corps Common Skills Handbook, Book 1B (PCN 50600000900)
MCRP 3-37A, NBC Field Handbook (PCN 14400004300)
NAVEDTRA 14295, Hospital Corpsman
Explain the shape, colors, and purposes of the standard North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) contamination
markers and the information contained on them. [ref. a, pp. 1-20-1 thru 1-20-3]
Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Chemical Minefield
113.2
Discuss the purpose of the M-40 field protective mask. [ref. a, p. 1-20-5]
The M40 field protective mask is designed to protect the wearer from field
concentrations of chemical and biological agents. The mask consists of a faceblank,
a filter canister (which is used to cleanse contaminated air), dual voicemitter
assemblies, inlet and outlet valves, and a water drinking system
113.3
Identify the following NBC alarms: [ref. a, pp. 1-20-19, 1-20-20]
Vocal - alarm for chemical/biological attack.is GAS-GAS-GAS. the word gas is
repeated three times
Visual - The arms are extended straight out to the side and the hands made into a
fist. As the word GAS is said, bend the arms at the elbows so the fists are placed to
the ears, then repeat three times
Percussion - Metal on metal. Metal triangles are used to give the NBC alarm by
striking them repeatedly. Sirens, intermittent horns, biological/chemical alarm
systems, or other devices as outlined by unit's standard operating procedures
(SOP)
112.4
Discuss the proper way to don and clear a gas mask.
[ref. a, pp. 1-20-20 thru 1-20-24]
Upon receiving the command or detecting a contamination presence
- Stop breathing, close your mouth and eyes.
CAUTION: This does not mean take one last breath.
- Place the rifle between your legs.
- Remove the headgear and place it on the weapon.
NOTE: Make sure that you remove glasses if you are wearing them.
CAUTION: Do not wear contact lenses with any field protective mask. Wearing
contact lenses with the optical inserts will over correct your vision.
- Remove the mask from its carrier
- Allow the hood to hang down in front of the mask.
- Put your chin into the chin pocket of the facepiece. The mask is stored with the
head harness pulled over the front of the mask
- Clear the field protective mask by covering the outlet valve with the palm of one
hand. Exhale sharply so the air escapes around the edges of the facepiece. Cover
the air inlet port of the canister with the palm of your free hand, and then breathe in.
The facepiece should collapse against your face and remain there while holding
your breath
If
Then
Facepiece collapses
Consider it airtight.
Facepiece does not collapse
Check for hair, clothing, or other interference
between the facepiece and your face. Repeat
steps to clear the mask until there is an airtight
seal
- Adjust the M40 mask.
Grasp the tab, then pull the head harness over your head. Make sure the square
harness patch is centered comfortably in the rear of your head.
CAUTION: Make sure that unit NBC personnel properly fit your mask. The temple
and forehead straps are adjusted during fitting.
Maintain the seal while holding the facepiece to your face with one hand.
Use your free hand to tighten the cheek straps one at a time
Make sure that straps lie flat against your head.
- Should a leak or an improper seal be suspected,
Clear the field protective mask as outlined in performance step 2.f.
Recheck facepiece for leaks.
WARNING: Check the mask for leaks each time you put it on. Air should circulate
over the eyelenses inside the mask. If air flows in from around the edges of the
mask, you may have a leak.
Run your finger around the edges of the mask to check for bulging material.
When time permits, have another Marine check the facepiece.
- Resume breathing normally.
CAUTION: The mask must be donned, cleared, and sealed within 9 seconds. An
additional 6 seconds is given to put the hood in place
113.5
Explain Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels. [ref. a, p. 1-20-27]
The need to balance protection with the threat, temperature, and urgency of
the mission led to the concept of MOPP.
- Commanders can raise or lower the amount of protection through six levels of
MOPP—MOPP Ready through MOPP 4.
- In addition, commanders have a mask-only option.
- Protection increases with progression from MOPP Ready through MOPP 4, but
efficiency decreases correspondingly.
- The elements of MOPP gear that take the longest to put on and that degrade
mission performance the least are put on first.
- The MOPP gear elements that can be put on quickly and degrade performance of
individual tasks the most are put on last.
- MOPP Ready is when a Marine carries his or her protective mask. MOPP level 0 is
the condition that exists when a Marine has all of his or her MOPP gear available
but is not wearing it.
113.6
Explain the uses of M9 and M8 paper. [ref. a, pp. 1-20-39, 1-20-40]
When identifying chemical agents, use the most expedient method. Using M8 or M9
detectors will take only seconds, whereas using the M256A1 will take approximately
15 minutes. Disadvantages of M8 and M9 over the M256A1 are their inability to test
for vapor hazards and the limited number of agents detected.
M9 detector paper.
- M9 detector tape is usually issued 1 roll per squad or gun team and is worn around
the ankles, wrists, and biceps on the exterior of protective clothing. Its purpose is to
detect the presence of chemical agents, but will not identify the agent.
- Open package of M9 tape.
-Unroll a small portion of detector tape.
-Blot, do not rub, the M9 tape on suspect liquid. Its use is primarily on barely visible
droplets.
-observe for a color change.
- When in contact with contamination, the color will appear as a light pink to a
reddish brown or violet tint
M8 detector paper.
- M8 paper is issued with your field protective mask and the M256A1 chemical agent
detector kit as an SL-3 component. Its use is primarily on suspected liquid forms
such as puddles, small drops, or barely visible droplets.
- Remove and open M8 paper from the M256A1 kit or mask carrier, tearing off and
discarding the plastic bag
- Test the liquid. Tear out a sheet of M8 paper (use half a sheet if it is perforated).
Expose M8 paper to suspected liquid agent.
CAUTION: Make sure the M8 paper is held in the down position to prevent liquid
contaminants from running onto protective glove
Blot—do not rub the M8 on suspected contamination. Compare any color changes
by observing the colors shown on the inside cover of the book of M8 paper.
The chart below identifies the color associated with the agent when using the M8
paper.
NOTES: Where decontaminants have been used, positive results must be
confirmed by tests with the sampler-detector. Some decontaminants will produce
false positive test on M8 paper.
Check the decontaminant itself with a sampler-detector because some
decontaminants will produce false indications on the sampler- detector. Never
assume that an area is uncontaminated. When in doubt, re-test the area with an
M256A1 kit and report the findings
113.7
Identify the equipment available, carried, and worn for the following MOPP levels:
[ref. a, p. 1-20-27]
MOPP level zero is the condition that exists when a Marine has all of his or her
MOPP gear available but is not wearing it.
113.8
Discuss the three levels of decontamination. [ref. b, pp. 3-34, 3-35]
Immediate Decon minimizes casualties, saves lives, and limits the spread of
contamination. Immediate decon is carried out by individuals upon becoming
contaminated. There are three immediate techniques: skin decon, personnel wipe
down, and operator’s spray down.
Operational Decon sustains operations, reduces the contact hazard, and limits the
spread of contamination to eliminate the necessity or reduce the duration of wearing
MOPP gear. Operational decon is carried by individual and/or units. It is restricted to
specific parts of operationally essential equipment/material and/or working areas, in
order to minimize contact and transfer hazards and to sustain operations. Further
decon may be required to reduce contamination to negligible risk levels. There are
two operational decon techniques: vehicle wash down and MOPP gear exchange
Thorough Decon reduces or eliminates the need for individual protective clothing.
Thorough decon is carried out by units with assistance from chemical units to
reduce contamination on personnel, equipment/material, and/or working areas to
the lowest possible level (negligible risk) to permit the reduction or removal of
individual protective equipment and maintain operations with minimal degradation.
This may include decontamination of terrain as required. There are three thorough
decon techniques: detailed troop decon, detailed equipment decon, and detailed
aircraft decon.
113.9
Discuss the immediate actions required for a nuclear attack without warning.
[ref. a, pp. 1-20-63 thru 1-20-65]
Take immediate action for a nuclear attack without warning - Upon seeing a
brilliant flash of light, an exceptionally loud explosion, or when the alarm is sounded,
immediate action must be taken. When possible, look for protective cover.
WARNING: Never hesitate in taking immediate action.
React without weapon - Immediately drop face down, with head toward blast, if
possible. If cover is available, use it. A log, large rock, or any depression in the
earth’s surface provides some protection. Close your eyes. Protect or cover
exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near the body and keeping your
helmet on. Keep your head down
React with weapon - Immediately drop face down, with head toward blast, if
possible. If cover is available, use it. A log, large rock, or any depression in the
earth’s surface provides some protection. Close your eyes. Protect or cover
exposed skin by putting hands and arms under or near the body and keeping your
helmet on. Make sure your weapon is placed under your body or beside you with
the strap/sling wrapped tightly around your arm and the muzzle angled away from
your face. Keep your head down. Remain face down for 90 seconds or until all
debris has stopped falling. Use any protection available such as fighting holes,
whenever possible. Fighting holes provide excellent protection against nuclear
weapon effects. Other examples of hasty protection may include ditches, culverts,
hills, large rocks, or armored vehicles. Put anything between yourself and the
nuclear weapon's blast.
113.10
Discuss the immediate actions required for a chemical or biological attack without
warning. [ref. a, pp. 1-20-67 thru 1-20-71]
React to a gas attack in 15 seconds or less.
- Stop breathing, close your mouth and eyes.
CAUTION: This does not mean take one last breath.
- Place the rifle between your legs.
- Remove the headgear and place it on the weapon.
NOTE: Make sure that you remove glasses if you are wearing them.
CAUTION: Do not wear contact lenses with any field protective mask. Wearing
contact lenses with the optical inserts will over correct your vision.
- Remove the mask from its carrier
- Allow the hood to hang down in front of the mask.
- Put your chin into the chin pocket of the facepiece. The mask is stored with the
head harness pulled over the front of the mask
- Clear the field protective mask by covering the outlet valve with the palm of one
hand. Exhale sharply so the air escapes around the edges of the facepiece. Cover
the air inlet port of the canister with the palm of your free hand, and then breathe in.
The facepiece should collapse against your face and remain there while holding
your breath
If
Then
Facepiece collapses
Consider it airtight.
Facepiece does not collapse
Check for hair, clothing, or other interference
between the facepiece and your face. Repeat
steps to clear the mask until there is an airtight
seal
- Adjust the M40 mask.
Grasp the tab, then pull the head harness over your head. Make sure the square
harness patch is centered comfortably in the rear of your head.
CAUTION: Make sure that unit NBC personnel properly fit your mask. The temple
and forehead straps are adjusted during fitting.
Maintain the seal while holding the facepiece to your face with one hand.
Use your free hand to tighten the cheek straps one at a time
Make sure that straps lie flat against your head.
- Should a leak or an improper seal be suspected,
Clear the field protective mask as outlined in performance step 2.f.
Recheck facepiece for leaks.
WARNING: Check the mask for leaks each time you put it on. Air should circulate
over the eye lenses inside the mask. If air flows in from around the edges of the
mask, you may have a leak.
Run your finger around the edges of the mask to check for bulging material.
When time permits, have another Marine check the facepiece.
- Resume breathing normally.
CAUTION: The mask must be donned, cleared, and sealed within 9 seconds. An
additional 6 seconds is given to put the hood in place
- Sound the alarm to warn others.
- Give vocal alarm for a chemical/biological attack.
The universal command to put the mask on is GAS-GAS-GAS.
The word gas is repeated three times.
-Give visual alarm for a chemical/biological attack as shown in figure 6.
The arms are extended straight out to the side and hands made into a fist.
As the word GAS is said bend the arms at the elbows so that the fists are placed
to the ears, and repeat three times.
- Secure weapon, helmet, and mask carrier.
- Check for contamination and decontaminate as necessary using the buddy system
if possible.
- Assume appropriate MOPP level as directed.
- Continue the mission.
113.11
Define and discuss the types, symptoms, and treatment for the following chemical
agents: [ref. c, pp. 8-5 thru 8-10]
Nerve agents produce their effect by interfering with normal transmission of nerve
impulses in the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system. Physically, nerve
agents are odorless, almost colorless liquids, varying greatly in viscosity and
volatility. They are moderately soluble in water and fairly stable unless strong alkali
or chlorinating compounds are added. They are very effective solvents, readily
penetrating cloth either as a liquid or vapor. Other materials, including leather and
wood, are fairly well penetrated. Butyl rubber and synthetics, such as polyesters, are
much more resistant. Pharmacologically, the nerve agents are cholinesterase
inhibitors (interfering with normal transmission of nerve impulses in the
parasympathetic autonomic nervous system). Their reaction with cholinesterase
tends to be irreversible, and reactiontime varies with the agent..
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE. - Nerve-agent intoxication can be
readily identified by its characteristic signs and symptoms. If a vapor exposure has
occurred, the pupils will constrict, usually to a pinpoint. If the exposure has been
through the skin, there will be local muscular twitching where the agent was
absorbed. Other symptoms will include rhinorrhea, dyspnea, diarrhea and vomiting,
convulsions, hypersalivation, drowsiness, coma, and unconsciousness.
TREATMENT. - Specific therapy for nerve agent casualties is atropine, an
acetylcholine blocker. When exposed, each member of the Navy and Marine
Corps is issued three 2 mg autoinjectors of atropine and three 600 mg autoinjectors
of 2-PAM Cl. DO NOT give nerve agent antidotes for preventive purposes before
contemplated exposure to a nerve agent.
The atropine autoinjector consists of a hard plastic tube containing 2 mg (0.7 ml) of
atropine in solution for intramuscular injection. It has a pressure-activated
coiled-spring mechanism that triggers the needle for injection of the antidote
solution. These injectors are designed to be used by individuals on themselves
when symptoms appear. For medical personnel, the required therapy is to continue
to administer atropine at 15-minute intervals until a mild atropinization occurs. This
can be noted by tachycardia and a dry mouth. Atropine alone will not relieve any
respiratory muscle failure. Prolonged artificial respiration may benecessary to
sustain life. A second autoinjector containing oxime therapy (using pralidoxime
chloride, or 2-PAMCl) can also be used for regeneration of the blocked
cholinesterase. Since 2-PAMCl is contained in the kit of autoinjectors, additional
oxime therapy is not generally medically recommended for those who have already
receivedtreatment by autoinjection. The 2-PAM Cl autoinjector is a hard plastic tube
that, when activated, dispenses 600 mg of 2-PAM Cl (300 mg/ml) solution. It also
has a pressure-activated coiled-spring mechanism identical to that in the atropine
autoinjector
Self-Aid.ŠIf you experience the mild symptoms of nerve-agent poisoning, you
should IMMEDIATELY hold your breath and put on your protective mask. Then,
administer one set of (atropine and 2-PAM Cl) injections into your lateral thigh
muscle or buttocks, as illustrated in figures 8-4 and 8-5. Position the needle end of
the atropine injector against the injection site and apply firm, even pressure
(not jabbing motion) to the injector until it pushes the needle into your thigh (or
buttocks). Make sure you do not hit any buttons or other objects. Using a jabbing
motion may result in an improper injection or injury to the thigh or buttocks.
Hold the atropine injector firmly in place for at least 10 seconds. The seconds can
be estimated by counting ioone thousand one, one thousand two,la and so forth.
Firm pressure automatically triggers the coiled mechanism and plunges the needle
through the clothing into the muscle and at the same time injects the atropine
antidote into the muscle tissue. Next, inject yourself in the same manner with the 2PAM Cl injector, using the same procedure as you did for the atropine. This will now
complete one set of nerve-agent antidotes. Attach the used injectors to your clothing
(fig. 8-6) (to indicate the number of injections you have already received After
administering the first set of injections, wait 10 to 15 minutes (since it takes that long
for the antidote to take effect) before administering a second set, if needed. If the
symptoms have not disappeared within 10 to 15 minutes, give yourself the second
set of injections. If the symptoms still persist after an additional 15 minutes, a third
set of injections may be given by nonmedical personnel.After administering each set
of injections, you should decontaminate your skin, if necessary, and put on any
remaining protective clothing.
Buddy Aid.ŠIf you encounter a service member suffering from severe signs of
nerve-agent poisoning, you should provide the following aid:
· Mark the casualty, if necessary. Do not fasten the hood.
· Administer, in rapid succession, three sets of the nerve-agent antidotes. Follow
the procedures for administration as described previously in the self-aid section.
NOTE: Use the casualty’s own autoinjectors when providing aid. Do not
use your injectors on a casualty. If you do, you may not have any antidote available
when needed for self-aid.
Blister agents, or vesicants, exert their primary action on the skin, producing large
and painful blisters that are incapacitating. Although vesicants are classed as
nonlethal, high doses can cause death. Common blister agents include mustard
(HD), nitrogen mustard (HN), and Lewisite (L). Each is chemically different and will
cause significant specific symptoms. They are all similar in their physical
characteristics and toxicology. Mustards are particularly insidious because they do
not manifest their symptoms for several hours after exposure. They attack the eyes
and respiratory tract as well as the skin There is no effective therapy for mustard
once its effects become visible. Treatment is largely supportive: to relieve itching
and pain, and to prevent infection.
MUSTARD (HN) - HD and HN are oily, colorless or pale yellow liquids, sparingly
soluble in water. HN is less volatile and more persistent than HD but has the same
blistering qualities.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure. -The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the
body to mustard gas. Contamination insufficient to cause injury elsewhere may
produce eye inflammation. Because the eye is the most sensitive part of the body,
the first noticeable symptoms of mustard exposure will be pain and a gritting feeling
in the eyes, accompanied by spastic blinking of the eyelids and photophobia. Vapor
or liquid may burn any area of the skin, but the burns willbe most severe in the
warm, sweaty areas of the body: the armpits, groin, and on the face and neck.
Blistering begins in about 12 hours but may be delayed for up to 48 hours.
Inhalation of the gas is followed in a few hours by irritation of the throat, hoarseness,
and a cough. Fever, moist rales, and dyspnea may develop. Brochopneumonia is a
frequent complication. The primary cause of death is massive edema or mechanical
pulmonary obstruction
Treatment. - There is no specific antidotal treatment for mustard poisoning.
Physically removing as much of the mustard as possible, as soon as possible, is the
only effective method for mitigating symptoms before they appear. All other
treatment is symptomatic, that is, the relief of pain and itching, and control of
infection.
LEWISITE (L). - Lewisite is an arsenical (an arsenic-based compound). This
blistering compound is a light- to dark-brown liquid that vaporizes slowly.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure. - The vapors of arsenicals are so irritating that
conscious persons are immediately warned by discomfort to put on the mask. No
severe respiratory injuries are likely to occur, except in the wounded who are
incapable of donning a mask. The respiratory symptoms are similar to those
produced by mustard gas. While distilled mustard and nitrogen mustard cause no
pain on the skin during absorption, Lewisite causes intense pain upon contact.
Treatment. - Immediately decontaminate the eyes by flushing with copious amounts
of water to remove liquid agents and to prevent severe burns. Sodium
sulfacetamide, 30 percent solution, may be used to combat eye infection within the
first 24 hours after exposure. In severe cases, morphine may be given to relieve
pain. In cases of systemic involvement, British Anti-Lewisite (BAL), dimercaprol, is
available in a peanut oil suspension for injection. BAL is a specific antiarsenical that
combines with the heavy metal to form a water-soluble, nontoxic complex that is
excreted. However, BAL is somewhat toxic, and an injection of more than 3 mg/kg
will cause severe symptoms.Aside from the use of dimercaprol for the systemic
effects of arsenic, treatment is the same as for mustard lesions.
Blood Agents interfere with enzyme functions in the body, i.e., block oxygen
transfer. Hydrocyanic acid (AC) and cyanogen chloride (CK) are cyanide- containing
compounds commonly referred to as blood agents. These blood agents are
chemicals that are in a gaseous state at normal temperatures and pressures. They
are systemic poisons and casualty-producing agents that interfere with vital enzyme
systems of the body. They can cause death in a very short time after exposure by
interfering with oxygen transfer in the blood. Although very deadly, they are
nonpersistent agents.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE.- These vary with concentration and
duration of exposure. Typically, either death or recovery takes place rapidly. After
exposure to high concentrations of the gas, there is a forceful increase in the depth
of respiration for a few seconds, violent convulsions after 20 to 30 seconds, and
respiratory failure with cessation of heart action within a few minutes.
TREATMENT. - There are two suggested antidotes in the treatment of cyanides:
amyl nitrite in crush ampules (provided as first aid) and intravenous sodium
thiosulfate solution. In an attack, if you notice sudden stimulation of breathing or an
almond-like odor, hold your breath and don your mask immediately. In treating a
victim, upon notification by competent authority that there are no blood agents
remaining in the atmosphere, crush two ampules of amyl nitrite in the hollow of your
hand and hold it close to the victim's nose. You may repeat this procedure every few
minutes until eight ampules have been used. If the atmosphere is contaminated and
the victim must remain masked, insert the crushed ampules into the mask under the
face plate. Whether amyl nitrite is used or not, sodium thiosulfate therapy is required
after the initial lifesaving measures. The required dose is 100 to 200 mg/kg, given
intravenously over a 9-minute period. The key to successful cyanide therapy is
speed; cyanide acts rapidly on an essential enzyme system. The antidotes act
rapidly to reverse this action. If the specific antidote and artificial respiration are
given soon enough, the chance of survival is greatly enhanced
Choking The toxicity of lung agents is due to their effect on lung tissues; they
cause extensive damage to alveolar tissue, resulting in severe pulmonary edema.
This group includes phosgene (CG) and chlorine (Cl), as well as chloropicrin and
diphosgene. However, CG is most likely to be encountered, and its toxic action is
representative of the group. Phosgene is a colorless gas with a distinctive odor
similar to that of new-mown hay or freshly cut grass. Unfortunately, even at minimal
concentrations in the air (i.e., below the threshold of olfactory perception), CGcan
cause damage to the eyes and throat. Generally speaking, CG does not represent a
hazard of long duration; therefore, an individual exposed to a casualty-producing
amount should be able to smell it.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE. - There may be watering of the eyes,
coughing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. More often, however, there will be
no symptoms for 2 to 6 hours after exposure. Latent symptoms are rapid, shallow,
and labored breathing; painful cough; cyanosis; frothy sputum; clammy skin; rapid,
feeble pulse; and low blood pressure. Shock may develop, followed by death.
TREATMENT. - Once symptoms appear, complete bed rest is mandatory. Keep
victims with lung edema only moderately warm, and treat the resulting anoxia with
oxygen. Because no specific treatment for CG poisoning is known, treatment has to
be symptomatic.
Incapacitating Agents- Incapacitating agents, which are mainly comprised of
psychochemicals, produce mental confusion and an inability to function intelligently.
The psychochemicals temporarily prevent an individual from carrying out assigned
actions. These agents may be administered by contaminating food or water, or they
may be released as aerosols. The following are characteristics of the incapacitants:
- High potency (i.e., an extremely low dose is effective) and logistic feasibility
- Effects produced mainly by altering or disrupting the higher regulatory activity of
the central nervous system
- Duration of action comprising hours or days, rather than momentary or transient
action No permanent injury producede.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE. - The first symptoms appear in 30
minutes to several hours and may persist for several days. Abnormal inappropriate
behavior may be the only sign of intoxication. Those affected may make irrational
statements and have delusions or hallucinations. In some instances, the victim may
complain of dizziness, muscular incoordination, dry mouth, and difficulty in
swallowing. The standard incapacitant in the United States is 3-quinuclidinyl
benzilate (BZ), a cholinergic blocking agent, which is effective in producing delirium
that may last several days. In small doses it will cause an increase in heart rate,
pupil size, and skin temperature, as well as drowsiness, dry skin, and a decrease in
alertness. As the dose is increased to higher levels, there is a progressive
deterioration of mental capability, ending in stupor.
TREATMENT. - The first aid is to prevent victims from injuring themselves and
others during the toxic psychosis. Generally, there is no specific therapy for this type
intoxication. However, with BZ and other agents in the class of compounds known
as glycolates, physostigmine is the drug treatment of choice. It is not effective during
the first 4 hours following exposure; after that, it is very effective as long as
treatment is continued. However, treatment does not shorten the duration of BZ
intoxication, and premature discontinuation of therapy will result in relapse.
Riot control/harassing is the collective term used to describe a collection of
chemical compounds, all having similar characteristics which, though relatively
nontoxic, produce an immediate but temporary effect in very low concentrations.
These agents are used to harass enemy personnel or to discourage riot actions.
Generally, patients require no therapy; removal from the environment is sufficient to
effect recovery in a short time.There are two classes of riot-control/harassment
agents: lacrimators and vomiting agents
LACRIMATORS. - Lacrimators (or tear gases) are essentially local irritants that act
primarily on the eyes. In high concentrations, they also irritate the respiratory tract
and the skin. The principal agents used are chloracetophenone (CN) and
orthochlorobenzilidine malanonitrile (CS). Although CS is basically a lacrimator, it is
considerably more potent than CN and causes more severe respiratory symptoms.
CN is the standard training agent and is the tear gas most commonly encountered
because it is not as potent. CS is more widely used by the military as a riot-control
agent. Protection against all tear agents is provided by protective masks and
ordinary field clothing secured at the neck, wrists, and ankles. Personnel handling
CS should wear rubber gloves for additional protection
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure. - Lacrimators produce intense pain in the eyes
with excessive tearing. The symptoms following the most severe exposure to vapors
seldom last over 2 hours. After moderate exposure, they last only a few minutes
Treatment. - First aid for lacrimators is generally not necessary. Exposure to fresh
air and letting wind blow into wide open eyes, held open if necessary, is sufficient for
recovery in a short time. Any chest discomfort after CS exposure can be relieved by
talking. An important point to remember is that this material adheres tenaciously to
clothing, and a change of clothing may be necessary. Do not forget the hair (both
head and facial) as a potential source of recontamination.
VOMITING AGENTS. -Vomiting agents comprise the second class of agents in the
riot-control category. The principal agents of this group are
diphenylaminochloroarsine (Adamsite (DM)), diphenylchloroarsine (DA), and
diphenylcyanoarsine (DC). They are used as training and riot-control agents. They
are dispersed as aerosols and produce their effects by inhalation or by direct action
on the eyes. All of these agents have similar properties and pathology.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure. – Vomiting agents produce a strong pepperlike irritation in the upper respiratory tract, with irritation of the eyes and lacrimation.
They cause violent uncontrollable sneezing, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and a
general feeling of malaise. Inhalation causes a burning sensation in the nose and
throat, hypersalivation, and rhinorrhea. The sinuses fill rapidly and cause a violent
frontal headache
Treatment. - It is of the utmost importance that the mask be worn in spite of
coughing, sneezing, salivation, and nausea. If the mask is put on following
exposure, symptoms will increase for several minutes in spite of adequate
protection. As a consequence, victims may believe the mask is ineffective and
remove it, further exposing themselves. While the mask must be worn, it may be
lifted from the face briefly, if necessary, to permit vomiting or to drain saliva from
the face piece. Carry on duties as vigorously as possible. This will help to lessen
and shorten the symptoms. Combat duties usually can be performed in spite of the
effects of vomiting agents if an individual is motivated. First aid consists of washing
the skin and rinsing the eyes and mouth with water. Amild analgesic may be given
to relieve headache. Recovery is usually spontaneous and complete within 1 to 3
hours.
SCREENINGSMOKES. - Screening smokes fit in with riot-control agents. Their
primary use is to obscure vision and to hide targets or areas. When used for this
purpose outdoors, they are not generally considered toxic. However, exposure to
heavy smoke concentration for extended periods, particularly near the source, may
cause illness or death. Under no circumstances should smoke munitions be
activated indoors or in closed compartments. Symptomatic treatment of medical
problems or discomfort resulting from exposure to screening smokes will generally
suffice
WHITE PHOSPHORUS. - White phosphorus (WP) is a pale, waxy solid that ignites
spontaneously on contact with air to give a hot, dense, white smoke composed of
phosphorus pentoxide particles. While field concentrations of the smoke may cause
temporary irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, casualties from the smoke have
not occurred in combat operations. No treatment is necessary, and spontaneous
recovery is rapid once the patient is removed from the WP source. White
phosphorus smoke not only creates an obscuring smoke, but it also has a
secondary effect upon personnel if it contacts the skin. When burning particles of
WP embed in the skin, they must be covered with water, a wet cloth, or mud. A
freshly mixed 0.5 percent solution of copper sulfate (which produces an airproof
black coating of copper phosphide) may be used as a rinse but must not be used as
a dressing. The phosphorus particles must be removed surgically.